‘I didn’t want any fuss when I quit MCC in 2010, but I’m upset at what little’s been done to keep the flame burning. Even the England captain Alastair Cook doesn’t seem to have an understanding of Spirit of Cricket.’

Cowdrey, whose offer to manage the SoC concept was turned down, added: ‘MCC don’t care two hoots. They have failed in their duties and people on the committees, who could spread the message around clubs and schools, are more concerned about free lunches and tickets for Test matches.’

MCC, who have former umpire Simon Taufel delivering the Cowdrey lecture at Lord’s on Wednesday, disagree with the allegations, pointing to a partnership with Chance to Shine that will see 400,000 children in nearly 4,000 schools introduced to the SoC ethos this summer.

MCC president Mike Griffiths, surprised at Cowdrey’s claims, said: ‘This is a view completely out of touch with what MCC is doing in England and Wales and overseas. The club continually look to promote the Spirit of Cricket message as widely as possible.’

In good spirits: Colin Cowdrey, pictured at his home in 1968

The overlord of Indian cricket, N Srinivasan, has stood down as president of the Indian cricket board while an investigation takes place into the Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal involving the Chennai Super Kings — run by his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan.

Yet Srinivasan is due to fly into London for talks with ECB and Cricket Australia chiefs Giles Clarke and Wally Edwards today, attending an ICC commercial summit discussing media rights despite his suspended status. The ICC, who had earlier confirmed Srinivasan would be at the meeting, later said his plans had changed. Clarke was still expecting to see Srinivasan.

Blundering umpire Marais Erasmus, responsible for three howlers already this Ashes series, was asked in a Test match programme feature whether he remembers games for decisions or players’ feats. Erasmus replied: ‘If I’m not noticed it means I have got things right.’

However, at least Notts have benefited from an Erasmus special, giving Ashton Agar not out when clearly stumped early in his innings of 98 at Trent Bridge. That Test might have ended two days earlier if Erasmus had called it right and Notts would have been £500,000 worse off, according to county chairman Peter Wright.

In the spotlight: Marais Erasmus (right) watches Ashton Agar bowl

Joe Root has a stopgap bat sponsorship with Rillatech, a Sheffield food packaging company, set up through a family connection.

But after his Lord’s performance it’s not expected they will have their sticker on the Yorkshireman’s marketable blade for much longer.

And Root showed a sense of humour when asked for his idea of a suitable backer. He replied Walkabout, the name of the Aussie-themed Birmingham bar where he was punched by David Warner.

Up for grabs: Joe Root's bat will be highly sought-after

The unsocial network

Cricket Australia are in freefall on and off the pitch, with their social media strategy as dysfunctional as their Test team.

CA, who fined David Warner £3,600 for a Twitter rant at two Aussie journalists, are still investigating an obscene tweet from their official account after Ian Bell was given not out by the third umpire on Saturday.

And all this before Warner’s brother Steve said on Twitter of Shane Watson: ‘F****** selfish, sooner you’re out the side you great pretender the better.’

A CA spokesman said they had no jurisdiction over Steve Warner, while brother David said: ‘Like everyone else, he is entitled to his opinions, but categorically I do not endorse his comments and fully support Shane.’